Grant renames fieldhouse for retired superintendent

Former Grant High School District 124 superintendent John Benedetti was known throughout his tenure as a backer of athletics. Now, the field house at the Fox Lake school bears his name.Paul Valade | Staff Photographer

John Benedetti, the longtime superintendent of Grant High School District 124, stands outside the school's field house in Fox Lake.Paul Valade | Staff Photographer, 2011

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District 124 Superintendent Christie Sefcik said the three-year-old facility on Devlin Road at the rear of campus is now known as the Benedetti Center in honor of the now retired superintendent.

The new name of the facility was unveiled at a ceremony during Benedetti's last days as superintendent in late June.

Sefcik said Benedetti was touched by the announcement.

"It was truly fitting to remember his legacy through athletics," she said. "John was an athlete and coach, his sons were talented athletes, he has always been a strong supporter of our athletic program here."

Benedetti was unavailable for comment about the renaming.

He spent 18 years as superintendent of the high school at Route 59 and Grand Avenue. During that time, Benedetti oversaw the growth in school enrollment from 800 to 1,800 students, the increase in academic programs to 144 classes and multiple building renovations.

One of those renovations included the creation of the field house in 2009 as part of a $38.5 million overhaul at the high school that included a 21-classroom addition.

The new field house was an addition to two aging gymnasiums that had become too small.

For months, the school board had been discussing ways to honor Benedetti for his service to Grant, and renaming the field house seemed the best honor, Sefcik said.

"He really worked hard to provide our students with the best athletic facilities in the county," she said.

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